overwintering Nymphalis anitopa

[kevinkk]

I have some anitopa larva about to pupate. I know they can overwinter in varying climates as adults.
Not having any experience with the species, I looked it up on the internet. Amazingly enough, there is
conflicting information. I just read they will overwinter in any life stage, the source being from Manitoba.
So, the question that remains is this- can they overwinter as pupa? They are outdoors now, and without
better information are going to stay there until the bitter end of summer, which is somewhat ambiguous
around here, to make certain that adults will hatch or not before winter does set in.
Of course, I could bring them in and let the butterflies hatch, then store the adults, however, if they
can overwinter as pupa, I'd rather do that, the stock is from Iowa if that makes a difference.

[Paul K]

I suppose you are talking about Nymphalis antiopa.
I never heard that they can overwinter as pupa, always adults. It may be tricky to put them to hibernation in warmer climate.

[kevinkk]

Yes Paul, Nmyphalis anitopa, exactly what I am thinking about, I think it's too warm here in town, next to the Pacific, to hibernate them
outdoors, I have the larva sleeved now, and will probably have to put the pupa in a flight cage outdoors and see what happens once the
larva are finished eating, or maybe it simply doesn't matter, and I can hatch the butterflies indoors, where it's controlled, and then put the butterflies
in the veggie crisper with my other overwintering material. Probably overthinking this.

[adamcotton]

Kevin,

Paul was trying to say the name is antiopa, not anitopa.

Adam.

[kevinkk]

Paul was trying to say the name is antiopa, not anitopa.

Thank you. I see that I've read past that for years apparently. I'll try to try to pay more attention.